COBBER KAIN. The RAF's first WWII Ace.

New Zealander Edgar James Kain, known affectionately as Cobber to his fellow pilots, was killed at the age of 21. Yet in just a few hectic months before his death he became an international celebrity as the RAF’s first fighter ace of World War II, and was the toast of Allied messes in France for his uncanny ability to shoot down German aircraft.

By the beginning of June 1940 Eddie was a veteran of more than 80 fighter operations and had 18 victories to his credit. Along with other pilots in 73 Squadron, he was utterly exhausted from the continual stress of battle.
On the day of his scheduled return to England, Eddie took a Hurricane up for one last beat-up of the airfield. After three low-level flick rolls, the aircraft stalled and hit the ground, killing Eddie instantly.

This lavishly illustrated book details the short but glorious life of this heroic Kiwi, using previously unpublished photographs from his family’s private collection.